Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has unveiled the 20 emerging producers who will participate in its Ones to Watch mentoring program for this year.
Supported by partners SBS and Screen Australia and sponsor YouTube, the six-month program provides one-on-one mentoring and guidance from experienced producers.
This year’s participants are: Andre Lima; Bridget May, Brooke Silcox, Carl Firth, Cody Greenwood, Dan Trotter, Dominic Crisci, Grace Rein, Jessica Carrera, Kate Fox, Laura Clelland, Lester Francois, Mat Govoni, Nicolette Minster, Olivia Olley, Rachael Wegener, Ryan Verbruggen, Taylor Litton-Strain, Tom Phillips and Tsu Shan Chambers.
One of producers will receive a $15,000 SBS First Look Grant to assist in the development of their ideas and project concept. The winner will be announced at SPA’s Screen Forever conference November 20 – 22. SBS will also host all of the Ones to Watch in a one-on-one pitching session with its commissioning editors.
Screen Australia will create opportunities for producers to secure internships with local and/or international production companies. 
“We saw a diverse selection of applicants and exciting projects. We are inspired by the potential of the talent, their creativity and for the future of Australian stories to be told. We are excited to support the journeys of the 2018 Ones To Watch and open the doors for emerging producers to industry exposure, mentorships with experienced producers and authentic industry opportunities” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.
SBS head of commercial and production Chris Irvine said: “SBS’s involvement with SPA’s Ones To Watch program is an important part of our commitment to developing the next wave of Australian screen production talent; and to see that talent better reflect the diversity of Australian audiences watching those screens.”